Newbie, need help and ? for the Guys

[angel_eyes]

Hello Everyone, have been reading posts for about a month and just now registered. Mostly due to the MalintRED (?) posts, what remarkable work.

Alright, this is my problem. Have never really exercised consistently mostly to just maintain weight. I gained 40 lbs from some medication. I lost it all through diet and exercise over the past 7 months.

I have my ideal weight and clothing size back except my body looks like a mess. Have stretch marks everywhere, and major saddle bags and cellulite on thighs and butt. I am 5'4 and 125 lbs, would guess my body fat is 28%, maybe more. People tell me I look great, I take my clothes off and don't feel that way.

Need as much help as I can get on overcoming extra body fat. Have been doing alternate cardio 45-60 mins 3-4 times a week, and lifting weights 2-3 times a week. Diet is no sugar, dairy, refined foods, and mostly vegetarian. On weekends I treat myself to grilled fish and other foods in moderation. Any ideas??

***question for the guys*** If you are a major hard body, would someone with my "flaws" and everyday body type be a major turnoff??? I get more than my share of male attention, and never have had any complaints. I have never dated someone that was so buff, this is making me insecure. What do you think??

Thanks in advance for your advice

 

[Big Buck]

my girl doesn't work out...she's naturally thin, and runs occasionally. It's just personal preference.

 

[tripleV]

i would increase your protein intake and also train more on weights than cardio. I believe that with cardio, you can only go so far as being "skinny fat". You need to rid the body fat and gain lean muscle tissue.

Stretch marks and cellulite...well that you gotta live with although you can diminish it some.

 

[new@gettinbig]

You need to really focus on Lifting weights...it should be your main concern...Forget about what guys like or prefer....get your body in shape!! A tone hard body is ideal. I would get w/ a trainer and get on a good program and being from there...cardio is good and important but your training is more important. Diet needs lots of protein....Do you not like meat or any reason for not eating it?? It helps! You should be eating 5-6 meals a day...post a sample of what you eat in a day. And how you are training...

 

[Phemomena]

hey..
welcome to the boards.. congrats on you're progress thus far

i'm not a big expert on stretch marks, from my understanding these things take time and a clean diet...

if you are able to, get more protein... whey protein, egg whites and soy are good if you aren't a meat eater...

drink tons of water too...

and get in there and lift heavy... if you want to date someone that's buff, showing that you're strong and confident in the weight room is probably a start... most guys who take care of themselves like girls who do the same... but new's right, do it for you... not for someone else, only way its going to be worthwhile and lasting...

 

[Phemomena]

oh, and reds a great gal... her progress is very motivational for me personally, i'm glad she's got you on here... i'm sure you'll love it here...

 

[angel_eyes]

Thanks for the great support. Do not worry I am totally doing it for myself.

Have been lifting, just not enough. Will try to start a regular program. Just want to be toned and firm.

True, have not been eating enough. I enjoy meat, just trying to eat as healthy as possible. Have been eating only whole grain carbs and stay away from starchy veggies. I do drink plenty water.

Normal food intake sample would be:

Breakfast-Carb Solutions High Protein Bar

Lunch-large green salad with chicken, or just veggies

Dinner-whole wheat low carb tortilla with soy cheese

About a gallon of water a day, weekends sometimes cheat and have a small scoop of ice cream or other foods in moderation.

Thanks again everyone

 

[BigEasy]

Can't speak for other guys, but....

Don't worry about what average guys will think, you don't want Mr. Average anyway. Besides, it's not so much how you look, it's how you package and display what you have. If you act shamed by your looks and try to hide your body, then your body language will be shouting I'M UGLY!!!

On the other hand, if you are healthy, fit, and comfortable with who you are, you will exude confidence and be quite attractive. This is true with most guys that I know. We don't tend to focus on deficiencies if you don't. I guess it's the old stress the positives Pollyanna type thing. Most normal, well adjusted adults do not enjoy focusing on negative things or being around negative people for long. Our psyche is the same ans if we have a negative self image, it will permeate our subconscious and be broadcast to others.

So fix what you can, be the best you can given your genetics, age, and general health. The be happy that you ARE the best you can be, or are working towards it. THAT attitude is FAR more attractive than any flesh or fat stretched over bone could EVER be. Remember, any guy that does not value your determination and hard work is too superficial to matter anyway. Go find some contemplative nerd with a working brain, then teach him how to lift, if need be. You are obviously too literate to accept second best without a fight.

Most guys DO NOT notice detail like women do. If we did, Barbara Streisand would have NEVER made it into the movies or as a sex symbol. Same with Bette Middler. Both of these women were confident about who they were and just went on. They knew that some people would like them, no matter what; and that others would not like them, no matter what. So they just gravitated towards those that appreciated them, and away from those that didn't appreciate them for who they were.

 

[Phemomena]

eat more food.. clean food... don't be afraid of complex carbs like sweet potatoes, red potatos, oatmeal, brown rice etc.. these are a huge source of energy for your muscles... more energy to the muscles means being able to lift more weights...

and you may want to break your meals down into smaller portions and eat more frequently during the day... its a hard thing to do, but your body will thank you... and get more protein..

 

[new@gettinbig]

You are totally UNDER EATING!!!! You need more food...more often throughout your day! at least 4-6 oz of some sort of meat and a veggie...or egg whites...a shake..and bars...only take in bars and shakes for emergencies..real food is BEST!